English matters when reading a non-disclosure agreement because an NDA controls what information may be received, used, stored, shared and returned. The title confidentiality agreement sounds simple, but operative sentences can define broad categories, permitted purposes, exclusions, security duties, disclosure routes, duration, ownership, remedies and obligations that continue after a project ends.
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore explains that non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses create contractual confidentiality duties on its current Trade Secrets page. IPOS also advises inventors to consider an NDA before disclosure on its patent registration guidance. Confidentiality depends on both the information and the circumstances of sharing.
Use the information-life-cycle map parties, purpose, definition, marking, exclusions, permitted use, permitted recipients, safeguards, compelled disclosure, ownership, duration, return or destruction, breach and remedy. Read definitions before duties and duties before consequences. One capitalised term can carry a long definition into every later clause.
Choose the route closest to your question. The five routes keep the source document, verified guidance and responsible next action visible.
Name parties and purpose
Define protected information
Control use and access
Manage time and records
Review consequences
Name parties and purpose
Define protected information
Control use and access
Manage time and records
This guide uses NDA, confidentiality agreement, confidential information, trade secret, permitted purpose, authorised recipient, exclusions, return or destruction, survival and remedies. It is educational guidance, not legal advice; significant obligations deserve appropriate professional help.
Identify every party
The confidentiality question is disclosing party, receiving party and affiliates. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that One-way and mutual NDAs allocate duties differently. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Write who may disclose and who protects in each direction. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. A mutual NDA need not make every clause symmetrical. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Read the purpose first
The confidentiality question is evaluation, project, employment or collaboration. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Information may be received lawfully yet used outside purpose. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Turn the purpose into one plain sentence. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Evaluating a prototype does not permit publishing it. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
Did You Know? IPOS explains that confidentiality duties can concern unauthorised use as well as disclosure.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Unpack the definition
The confidentiality question is technical, commercial, personal, oral and observed information. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Broad definitions may include more than stamped documents. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: List categories and marking requirements. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. A visit can reveal a process without a file. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Follow capitalised terms
The confidentiality question is defined words and cross-references. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Everyday meanings can mislead when the agreement defines a term. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Keep a glossary beside the document. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Representatives may include employees, advisers and contractors. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Check marking rules
The confidentiality question is label, oral notice and written confirmation. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that A marking condition can determine coverage. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Record how each form must be identified. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. An oral presentation may need later written confirmation. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Read exclusions
The confidentiality question is public knowledge, prior possession and independent development. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Exclusions often require evidence, not assertion. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Note who proves the exclusion and with what record. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. A dated notebook may support independent development. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Define permitted use
The confidentiality question is evaluation, performance and internal decision. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that No disclosure and no unauthorised use are different duties. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Ask what actions the purpose permits. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Data reviewed for pricing cannot automatically build a competitor. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Map permitted recipients
The confidentiality question is employees, advisers, affiliates and subcontractors. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Internal sharing may still be restricted. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: List categories, need-to-know limits and downstream duties. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. A consultant may need a matching confidentiality duty. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
Did You Know? IPOS explains that confidentiality duties can concern unauthorised use as well as disclosure.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Apply need-to-know
The confidentiality question is role relevance and minimum information. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Giving everyone access increases risk. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Share the smallest useful set with authorised people. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Finance may need pricing but not source code. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Read the care standard
The confidentiality question is reasonable care, comparative care and safeguards. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Wording can combine a comparison and an absolute floor. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Translate safeguards into operations. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Restricted folders and secure disposal support compliance. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Control devices and tools
The confidentiality question is storage, access and transmission. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that A written promise fails if handling contradicts it. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Ask where files may be stored or discussed. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Sending a deck to personal email may breach the rule. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Check compelled disclosure
The confidentiality question is court order, law, notice and cooperation. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Required disclosure can still carry procedure. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Identify when notice is allowed. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Prompt notice may be required unless law forbids it. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Separate confidentiality and ownership
The confidentiality question is protection, licence and intellectual-property title. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Receiving information does not itself transfer ownership. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Read licence language independently. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Permission to evaluate is not permission to manufacture. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Look for residuals
The confidentiality question is unaided memory and retained know-how. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that A short clause can change later permitted use. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Flag unfamiliar residuals language for legal review. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Forgetting files does not automatically end duties. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
Did You Know? IPOS explains that confidentiality duties can concern unauthorised use as well as disclosure.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Read duration in layers
The confidentiality question is agreement term and survival. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that The project may end before confidentiality does. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Build a disclosure and survival timeline. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. A two-year agreement may contain longer duties. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Distinguish duration tests
The confidentiality question is fixed years and while-secret wording. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Categories can expire under different tests. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Attach each rule to its information. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Trade-secret material may follow a different clock. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Plan return or destruction
The confidentiality question is documents, copies, backups and notes. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Deleting one folder may not satisfy a broad clause. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Inventory storage locations before exit. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Backups may sit under a defined archival exception. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Read breach notification
The confidentiality question is loss, access and response time. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Waiting for certainty may conflict with prompt notice. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Know the contact and preserve incident facts. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. A lost device can trigger notice before misuse is proven. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Understand remedies carefully
The confidentiality question is injunction, damages and other relief. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Remedy clauses can be misread as automatic awards. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Identify wording and seek advice. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. May seek relief is not a guaranteed court result. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Check dispute and notices
The confidentiality question is law, jurisdiction, arbitration and formal notice. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Procedure may sit far from the main duties. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Record the forum and notice method. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Emailing a manager may not be formal notice. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
Did You Know? IPOS explains that confidentiality duties can concern unauthorised use as well as disclosure.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Protect student portfolios
The confidentiality question is school project, internship and public showcase. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Learners may expose another party while demonstrating skill. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Ask what may be described publicly. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Skills can be explained without confidential screenshots. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
Ask before using AI tools
The confidentiality question is third-party processing, upload and storage. Read definition, duty, exception and consequence. A short capitalised term can carry several lines of meaning.
The governance risk is that Convenient tools can send data outside authorised recipients. Preserve party, purpose, category, permission and duration instead of reducing the clause to do not tell anyone.
Turn the clause into an operational control: Check rules and obtain approval before upload. Do not infer permission from convenience. Obtain legal or organisational advice where obligations are consequential.
NDA example. Removing a company name may not anonymise a dataset. Professional English here depends on definitions, modal verbs and cross-references as much as politeness.
Connect the clause to the information life cycle: receipt, access, use, storage, sharing, incident response and disposal. The written promise becomes meaningful only when each stage has an owner and a practical control that a student, worker or project team can actually follow.
A disclosure log records what was shared, by whom, with whom, for which purpose and under which protection.
Read the operative verb once more. Must, shall, may, may not and will not are not stylistic alternatives here; they allocate duty, permission, prohibition or prediction. Record the exact verb before paraphrasing the clause for a team.
A worked reading: a student innovation project
A student team meets a company about a prototype. The NDA limits use to evaluation, permits access only to named members, excludes independently developed information with evidence, and requires return or destruction after discussions.
The team asks whether supervisors are authorised and what may later appear in a portfolio. They create a restricted folder and disclosure log. The agreement becomes a practical vocabulary for trust rather than a vague instruction to keep everything secret.
A practical checklist
- Parties and one-way or mutual structure.
- Permitted purpose.
- Definition and markings.
- Exclusions and evidence.
- Permitted use and recipients.
- Safeguards and incident notice.
- Ownership and licences.
- Term and survival.
- Return, destruction and backups.
- Remedies, dispute route and advice.
Advice for students, parents and young adults
Do not upload workplace material to a portfolio, personal cloud drive or AI tool merely because it helped you learn. Ask what can be described, anonymised or reproduced. A strong portfolio can explain method without exposing another party.
Parents can help a young signer slow down, identify parties and dates, and prepare questions. They should not promise a clause is harmless or unenforceable; fact-specific questions need qualified advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is every NDA the same?
No. Parties, purpose, definitions, exclusions, duration and remedies vary.
Must information have a stamp?
Sometimes, but not always. Read the definition and marking rules.
Can I share with colleagues?
Only if permitted, often on a need-to-know basis with downstream duties.
Does the duty end with the project?
Not necessarily. Read the term and survival clauses.
When should I get legal advice?
When obligations, liability, valuable IP, employment or remedies are significant or unclear.
The deeper English lesson
NDAs teach definition-controlled reading. Capital letters carry defined meanings; shall and must create duties; may creates permission or discretion; except introduces exclusions; survive extends time. The reader follows information through its life cycle.
Useful next reading
Continue with reading an employment contract, reading terms and conditions, writing a professional email, IPOS trade-secret guidance and the How English Works big picture.